Topic: Underwater Forests - Kelp

[Astronuc]

Massive Underwater Forests Found in Pacific
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14738177

All Things Considered, September 26, 2007 ? A team of scientists says it has found a string of vast, rich forests in an unexpected setting: far below the coral reefs found in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The new forests are made out of kelp plants that harbor a huge range of plants and animals. Like tropical rainforests, they may be refuges from threats posed by global climate change.
For many, the case is a reminder of how little we know about what's underneath the ocean. The team of American scientists says it found a vast underwater forest in an unexpected location.
People who have only seen the portion of a kelp bed that spreads out across the surface of an ocean are not especially impressed. But marine biologists like Michael Graham of San Jose State University say that is because a lot of them don't know about the underwater forest beneath the seaweed floating on the surface.
"These plants can grow basically down to about 100 150 feet depth and still grow to the surface," Graham said. "So it is really like being in a forest. they are knocking down the light there is less water motion. You tend to get the feeling you are somewhere else."

We know about the one's off-shore, e.g. those of the coast of California.  It will be interesting to see what new discoveries there are.